DonJ's Forum Topics

I bought a few pints of this a few months ago when it went on sale a $2 a can. I picked up several of the Medium Walnut and Natural finishes, but would like it to have a darker look. Is there a good way to add dye to the finish to darken it to a darker walnut color? Thanks.
Don

I recently purchased a used D4R, but it did not come with the bridge piece so you can do sliding dovetails. I saw on the Leigh website that it can be purchased, but it appeared to be individually cut small pieces, whereas the sliding dovetail video showed a solid piece. I assume the bridge piece is need, and will check to see if it comes in a ...

Someone was asking for ideas on handling full sheets of plywood at the table saw. I can’t seem to find the post, so if anyone knows or remembers who I’m talking about, let me know. I just ran across a magazine article with a self-build plywood handler.

I thought I would pass along an in-process workbench I’ve been working on. After looking at many benches, I decided on the “Jack-Bench” design as offered by Charlie Kocourek. The main reasons for choosing this design is that it has a variable height function that I need for my back, it is very versatile in regards to the ta...

I thought I read somewhere that Version 8 (free Sketchup) lost some of the capabilities of Version 7. I think the poster went on to indicate that this might be a way to “dumb down” Sketchup so one would have to eventually purchase the Pro version. Is any of that true? Should I hold off in upgrading to Version 8? Thanks.

I’m not the traditiional hand tool woodworker, so I expect the bench that I want to build (to match my style), will be wholly lacking from a “true” woodworker’s perspective. I’m going to build the JackBench that has been discussed on this foreum. However, instead of the recommended Veritas Twin Screw end vise, I...

When cleaning off the gunk used to prevent rust during shipment, how do you clean off the little cutter inserts that are on a spiral cutterhead? Should I take them all off and soak them, or should I use a toothbrush to try to clean them while installed on the spiral cutterhead? Just looking for experiences you all have had. Thanks,

I’ve cut my pieces to size and am ready for the glue up (cocobolo to birdseye maple). There are some burn marks on both woods…is there any issue with gluing up the pieces “as is”, or do I have to scuff them up a bit? Thanks

I’m getting ready to mortise the bottom of a cribbage board for a peg compartment. I’m using a 1/2” upcut spiral on the router table. My problem is that the bit I have is a 3” ‘er and I can only lower it to it being 1/2” above the table. Would it be safe to hog out a full 1/2” mortise in one pass? I ...

I’ve built a box that has a top that is closed by pushing the top in dados on either side. It worked fine before finish (lacquer) was applied. I did make the dados a little wider in anticipation. Now, it is somewhat “sticky” when closing the lid and tends to catch. What is a good wax to apply? I don’t have any paste ...

I have an odd dado width that would require one main dado blade and one chipper.
The “safer” alternative is to use a regular blade and then slightly move the fence.
Has anyone tried the first procedure? Just curious. Thanks.

I’m making a box, where each side is made up of 3 pieces, stacked on each other (different types of wood). Initially, I had a side with only two pieces stacked, where I did a copy/move and flip. The initial 2 piece sets worked like they are suppose to, i.e., when I work on the left side, the right side reflects the same changes. After a...

Someone built a valet for charging phones. They rewired the power strip so a power switch could be located on the outside of the box. If anyone remembers that person, or knows how to install an in-line on/off switch for a power cord, I sure would appreciate any help. Thanks as always.
Don Johnson

I want to build a music stand but don’t know what might be considered standard dimensions of height (I would guess the travel should be between a sitting and standing position). Also, what might be a typical size for the platform that holds the book or music? I have no turning capabilities, so will make a square style pedistal. I’...

I’m building one of the stand up jewelery chests that have the sides that open up. I’m planning on having two rows of hooks to hang necklaces on. I got ahead of my self and sprayed lacquer on the interior of the doors, which are made up of 1/2” raised panel sections. I was going to glue a bar of sorts on wooden posts to inst...